Skip to Content

19 Best Things to do in Moab Utah You Can’t Miss!

19 Best Things to do in Moab Utah You Can’t Miss!

Looking for the Best Things to do in Moab Utah?

Moab is a western gemmed city situated in southwestern Utah with quick accessibility to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It boasts a welcoming small town, magnificent landscape, flourishing wildlife, and the remarkable Colorado River. You can expect to completely experience the beauty of Utah and its famous red rocks when visiting Moab. The city attracts thousands of visitors each year and has become a staple in American tourism.

Because it is situated right between two of the major parks in Utah, Moab welcomes over three million visitors each year. Professional hikers, photographers or common travelers make visiting Moab a top priority.

Activities and experiences in Moab are plentiful, and sometimes it’s hard to focus on any one activity and decide what you want to do with your travel time. So, to make it easier for you, here are nineteen of the best things and landmarks to consider and visit when staying in Moab. The best Moab activities right here!

19 Best Things to do in Moab Utah to Keep You Busy

Arches National Park

With the landmark arch entrance stationed just five miles North of Moab, Arches National Park is undoubtedly the number one place to visit in Moab. The landmark at the entrance of this park is called the Delicate Arch, and it is the famous arch on every Utah license plate.

The Delicate Arch is prominent all over Utah in art, postcards, and media, and you can get a personal view of the arch in real life. You will see hundreds more of these types of arches as you hike or bike through the park. Arches National Park is known for its unusual landscape, vast natural beauty, and the Colorado River that runs through it. You can schedule tours, ride horseback, or hike solo.

Its size is immense with over seventy-six thousand acres to explore and is opportunely open twenty-four hours each day. People who are briefly stopping in Moab or are only planning for a one-day excursion, Arches National Park should be your top priority to visit.

For sure one of the best and most popular things to do in Moab in Summer.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park/ Flickr

Canyonlands National Park

The other national park with high reputation and responsible for bringing in many visitors to Moab is Canyonlands National Park. This park gets about half as many visitors as Arches National Park, so it is a popular alternative for those who want to beat the crowds of Moab.

The park encompasses the beauty of Utah compactly into one place through landscape, natural architecture, mesas, and canyons. One thing to look out for is the Upheaval Dome while visiting. This is a distinguishable area in the park known for its mysteriously deformed rocks. It is hard to miss and looks like a dome shaped crater which is what it was named for.

Many theories have been proposed as to what caused such deformities, the most interesting one being that it is the result of a meteorite impact. Canyonlands National Park is home to other landmark attractions such as Horseshoe Canyon, one of the most popular hiking canyons in Moab, and the Island in the Sky, which easily secures a spot next on this list.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park/ Flickr

Island in the Sky

This attraction is an openly elevated mesa and is the section of Canyonlands National Park closest to Moab. If you want to get an amazing view of the canyons of Utah formed by the Colorado River, visit Island in the Sky. The sandstone cliffs of this mesa are elevated over six-thousand feet from the canyons overlooked. It is the highest point in the Canyonlands National Park, making it the most popular place to visit.

Overlooking Canyonlands National Park from the Island in the Sky is a worthwhile perspective you can rarely experience when in Utah. On some days, you can see the clouds beneath you while surveying the park. There are multiple trails along the way to the top point that are exciting to travel up and down.

The location in the park is ample for exploration, hiking and sightseeing. It is one of the great experiences our Earth has to offer and should be highly considered, especially if you are already visiting or planning on visiting Canyonlands National Park.

Island in the Sky

Island in the Sky/ Flickr

Ken’s Lake

If boating, swimming, or watersports are some of your passions, Ken’s Lake will be a great location for you to visit. It is a lake dedicated to tourists just south of Moab and has beautiful visuals.

The reservoir is named after Ken McDougald, one of the district chairmen who worked and finished the project to create the reservoir. Snow-capped mountains are visible on the horizon from the lake. They protrude into the sky from the surrounding red rock mesas.

Coinciding with the lake is a campground. You can reserve or rent ground if you wish to camp and stay longer amounts of time at Ken’s Lake. RV camping is permitted. Trails wrap around the campground for early morning walks or hiking trips, and automobile touring is available for scheduling. Ken’s Lake and campground offers one of the best recreational locations in Moab. One of the best places to camp in Utah.

Ken’s Lake

Ken’s Lake/ Flickr

Faux Falls

Faux Falls is a man-made desert waterfall you can visit that is very close to Ken’s Lake. The waterfall gets its name because it is a “false” fall of water and not naturally occurring. It was created to drain water from locations further up the incline, and consequently became a popular attraction.

Located minutes away from Ken’s Lake, you can easily visit both locations on the same day. At the bottom of the waterfall, you can go swimming in a small swimming hole and swim through the waterfall. There is a trail that brings visitors to the falls from the parking allotment, so you do not need to worry about travelling outside of paths and getting lost. The cold water of the falls is a convenient alternative for refreshing during hot temperatures if you are opposed to swimming in the lake. The rocks surrounding the falls are frequently slippery, so equipping yourself with water shoes can prove useful if you decide to visit when you are in the area.

Faux Falls

Faux Falls/ Flickr

Corona Arch Trail

The Corona Arch is a spectacular structure near Moab. It is a naturally occurring arch that stands in a canyon near the Colorado River. The arch stretches 140 feet horizontally and is 105 feet tall, making it one of the largest arches in Utah.

You will be able to see the Bowtie Arch on the same trail as the Corona Arch. The Bowtie Arch is somewhat of a divot on the side a cliff with an arch overhead, and right around the corner is the Corona Arch. This corner area with both the arches is the main attraction of this trail and is certainly worth the visit.

The full trail is moderately challenging and takes an average of one hour and ten minutes to complete. However, it is well worth the site of some of Earth’s most unusual and reverential formations. 

Corona Arch Trail

Corona Arch Trail/ Flickr

Klondike Bluffs Trail

Klondike Bluffs Trail features more spacious overhead arches that can fully shield you from the sun. They are much wider than Corona Arch or Bowtie Arch because they are connected to sandstone cliffs, offering enough shade to relax during a hike. The trail is elevated further than the rest of the surrounding land, so the horizon view is gorgeous.

Klondike Bluffs Trail is separated into two parts: Klondike North and Klondike South. They are both like each other in most ways, however Klondike South is closer to Moab and Arches National Park. There are available camping spots all over the trail, and you can freely pick whichever spot you like.

Klondike Bluffs Trail is one of the most updated trails in Moab, with seven new trails constructed in the past couple of years. Additionally, the trails are well managed and checked for safety each year. Spotted with ferns, desert trees, and exalted sandstone cliffs, you should plan to make Klondike Bluffs one of the trails you visit while in Moab.

Klondike Bluffs Trail

Klondike Bluffs Trail/ Flickr

Lion’s Park

One of Moab’s most popular localities is Lion’s Park. It is an outdoor attraction that features a more civilized approach to experiencing the beauty of Utah. It is an established park, and all the trails within the park are paved and free of debris.

You won’t have to expect to hike or physically exert yourself, so relaxing is easy at this location. The Colorado River runs through Lion’s Park, and there is a polished bridge with unique designs that crosses over. There is plenty of space to park and accessing the park is much easier than some of the other trails you will come across in Moab. There are built foundations at the entrance of the park with sidewalks and bright green grass where you can set up a picnic.

If you feel uncomfortable journeying into trails with raw ground and dirt, this park is the perfect place to still see the same things, like red sandstone cliffs, that other unkempt trails display. Trails that are connected to the wild and other national parks are also accessible right from Lion’s Park. This park is the most flexible location on the list and visiting it will cause no problems for most visitors.

Lion’s Park

Lion’s Park/ Flickr

Hell’s Revenge

Adding to this list of things to do in Moab is an adrenaline filled, vicious, motorized adventure. Hell’s Revenge is a trail with a fitting name and is exclusively for vehicles.

There are no walking areas on this trail. It is recommended that you have some experience off-roading and driving before considering this route. It is recognized as dangerous and difficult for those who want to drive it themselves. Vehicles must stay on designated trails and are permitted to reach a maximum speed of fifteen miles per hour to maximize safety.

The trail is six and half miles long and intended for 4×4 vehicles only. You do not need to rely on yourself to navigate this route, as professional tours are available. There are plenty of steep descents and ridges to drive over and experiencing off-roading in such conditions is an enormous amount of fun. This is something you won’t be able to get in many other places in America other than Utah.

Hell’s Revenge

Hell’s Revenge/ Flickr

Red Cliffs Lodge

The Red Cliffs Lodge is a resort/hotel that lies on the Colorado River. It is an excellent place to stay when visiting Moab. Private cabins or rooms are available to stay in, however if you are staying at another hotel, the lodge and its activities are still open to all Moab tourists.

The facilities on the property include a gym, hot tubs, and outdoor pools. Red Cliffs Lodge offers almost any activity you can name. There is horseback riding along neighboring trails, canyoneering, hiking, rafting, paddleboarding, yoga, rock climbing lessons, massages, and safari tours.

The most unique activity that you must consider at the Red Cliffs Lodge is skydiving. An arial view of Moab is unimaginable, but you can experience it. If you are not looking for any of these specific activities, you can visit Red Cliffs Lodge for general hospitality, refreshments, or dining.

Red Cliffs Lodge

Red Cliffs Lodge/ Flickr

Colorado River Rafting

We can’t mention the Colorado River without mentioning rafting. It is one of the most popular recreational water activities around the world, and the Colorado River, known for its whitewater rapids and lengthy distance, is perfect for it.

Most of the river is manageable for most people if you listen to your guide. You can find rafting rentals, services, and guides in the town of Moab. Rafting is noticeably the best way to explore the Colorado River while in Moab if interested.

Although rafting accidents are rare, staying safe is a top concern and always important. Ensure that you are well enough experienced if rafting alone and listen carefully to your rafting guide if you sign up for a group trip. Going rafting in the Colorado River will complete your experience and vacation to Moab.

Colorado River Rafting

Colorado River Rafting/ Flickr

Moab Museum

The city of Moab has a modern museum in the center of town that features all different types of history and information. It has archaeological, geological, paleontological, and historical presentations and exhibits. The exhibits tell the story of Moab’s first settlers and their descendants.

They also give insight into what creatures roamed the land thousands of years ago, including displays of dinosaur fossils. The paleontological presentations teach visitors about Moab in the age of reptiles: the Mesozoic period.

Petroglyphs made by the ancient people of Moab are shown. Be prepared to take notes and learn boundless information when visiting the Moab Museum. Located in the center of town, delicious restaurants are right across the street from the museum, so an evening at the museum with dinner is something visitors can consider.

Moab Museum

Moab Museum/ Flickr

RedRock Astronomy Tours

So far on this list, all the things to do in Moab are during the day, so here is something exceptional to do at night. RedRock Astronomy provides surreal and wondrous tours of the night sky removed from any artificial lights. You can join a guide on whichever day you prefer and meet with the group at sunset in one of numerous red rock trails around Moab.

The guide will take you to a dark area after the sun sets, where you can only see the wonders of the galaxy. The guide will inclusively bring a telescope and set it up for each participant to use. You will be able to see many different stars, colors, and celestial formations in the sky. This activity is perfect for any night during your trip to Moab when you are feeling extra adventurous, and the other nights you can relax.

La Sal Mountain Loop

The La Sal Mountain loop is a road that loops around mountains and mesas throughout Utah, including Moab. It is one hundred miles long, but you can travel in the section near Moab.

The road starts at the La Sal Mountains and ends in the Red Rock Desert. You can tour the road solo or with a sightseeing group. Driving may not be entirely interesting to some, but the views from the loop are what puts this location on the list. You will get unique and picturesque views that are not characteristic of any other location around Moab. Because of the loop’s elevation, you can see much of Utah from one view.

The loop is raised over 5500 feet off ground level. There are bathrooms and stop sites along the loop so that you can spend as much time as you desire there. You can travel the loop and observe Utah in all its acclamation from the comfort of your car.

La Sal Mountain Loop

La Sal Mountain Loop/ Flickr

Solfun Mountain Biking

Alongside so many other exciting activities and locations in Moab, you can mountain bike. If you bring a bike on your trip or want to go biking, this is the best service in Moab to use.

Solfun is a mountain biking agency that connects groups of people who share an interest or passion to go mountain biking in the wilderness of Moab. Socializing and meeting new friends is common when using Solfun mountain biking. You can expect to be in a group of seven or more but can request a private tour.

Everyone has a great time mountain biking with Solfun. Bikers of all experience levels can be included, and beginners are encouraged with lessons that Solfun offer. Tours with Solfun start from Dead Horse State Park daily. Always be careful while biking on Utah landscape and make sure to wear a helmet!

Solfun Mountain Biking

Solfun Mountain Biking/ Flickr

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park showcases weathered hoodoo rock formations unlike any other location in Utah. The rock formations resemble creatures with anthropomorphic characteristics, and are locally nicknamed “goblins”, which is how the park got its name.

Some stand as tall as several yards, while others remain at eye level. Wind and water erosions are what form the goblin-like figure of the rocks. Another interesting quality of Goblin Valley State Park to see is the exposed bedrock along surrounding sandstone, which is very uncommon within the geology of Utah.

In terms of size, the park is much smaller than Arches and Canyonlands National parks, passing just over 9,915 acres of land. It is an ideal destination for those who want a smaller area to explore. There are hiking trails, campgrounds, and even drone permits for purchase if you fancy an arial view of the park. Anticipate having a scenic, easing, and picturesque experience because, after all, you are in Moab. Goblin Valley State Park is particularly unique compared to other parks near Moab and is well worth the visit.

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park/ Flickr

Moab Brewery

Venturing into the city of Moab, you will find a bustling downtown environment. With plenty of attractions, shops, and activities, the Moab Brewery is a highlight.

The brewery is the only of its kind and caliber in Moab and sells hand-crafted ales. Beers, burgers, wings, and their large array of appetizers are the most popular items to order. It is conveniently located along South Main Street that runs directly through Moab.

The brewery also includes the largest restaurant in Moab. Outside of the restaurant, there is a gift shop for souvenirs and trinkets, making it perfect for tourists. Moab Brewery is the spearhead of hospitality and refreshments in Moab and makes for an exceptional stop after exhausting visits to the other locations on this list. You will likely have already learned about Moab Brewery if you have been downtown.

One of the best things to do in Moab in winter when its too cold to go out!

Moab Brewery

Moab Brewery/ Flickr

Moab Rock Shop

Another spot directly in the town of Moab worthy of a spotlight is the Moab Rock Shop. If you enjoy shopping, collecting, or learning, this is a place in Moab recommended by many to visit. It is located along North Main Street, making it not far from the brewery.

This rock shop has perfect items to remember Moab and all its amazing experiences. The shop’s selection includes hundreds of Utah’s most distinctive rocks, minerals, crystals, and fossils.

Prices range from a few cents to hundreds of dollars, so all shoppers are guaranteed to find something they like. Moab, Utah is an amazing tourist attraction and is a leading interest for tourism in America. If you want to get a souvenir to remind you of your time in this amazing city, visit Moab Rock Shop.

Moab Rock Shop

****

See more:

Things to do near Zion National Park

The Narrows

Fun things to do in Salt Lake City at Night

Best restaurants in St George

Things to call in Utah in winter

Red Hill Hot Springs

Author